Police militarization and "tactical training" schools

[starroute]

In the wake of over-the-top police responses to the Occupy protests, there's been a lot of discussion here about where this militarization of the police forces is coming from, with the finger mostly being pointed at 9/11, counter-terrorism, and the Department of Homeland Security.

But there's one other piece of the puzzle that I haven't seen mentioned so far, which is the tactical training schools that cater equally to the military, private security firms, and the police. Most of these places focus on firearms training -- but the language that is used on their websites suggests that, at the very least, they expose the police who attend them to a highly militarized atmosphere. And some also offer courses in such things as arrest methods, all within the same quasi-military context.

I don't know a whole lot about this -- it's something I've mainly run across when looking into Blackwater and other security firms -- but I definitely think it could use investigating. Here are a few links to get started.

http://www.tftt.com/

The mission of the Tactical Firearms Training Team is to provide the highest level of cutting edge instruction in the most up to date and progressive firearms skills and tactics. The TFTT instructor cadre is composed of a small team of men who all possess extensive backgrounds in military and police Special Operations. The TFTT Cadre has trained thousands of SWAT and patrol officers from the United States in addition to many hundreds of foreign military and police operators.

For over 21 years TFTT has been the industry leader in cutting edge and realistic training. All programs come under the direct supervision of the Training Director – Max F. Joseph. Max has been supervising, coordinating and conducting Special Operations training non-stop for the last 27 years. He proudly oversees a highly skilled cadre of world class instructors who are committed to forging the sharpest operators possible!


http://www.teamspartan.com/teamspartan_firearms_training_start.htm

Spartan Tactical Training Group is dedicated to presenting professional firearms training programs and tactical concepts that will prepare law enforcement officers, armed professionals and civilians to survive and win deadly force confrontations.

Here at Spartan_Tactical_Firearms_Training_Courses, we believe that during a deadly force confrontation, you will defend yourself the way you have been trained to respond.

Our firearms training programs focus on developing combat mind-set, tactical aptitude and a reflexive conditioned response when the use of deadly force in self defense is imminent.


http://seamlessprogression.com/Home/tabid/58/Default.aspx

Seamless Progression represents more than just an addition to the already saturated tactical training market; it represents a fresh look at consultation, design, and the delivery of tactical training. The name Seamless Progression stems from the concept that all training elements should be integrated to produce maximum effectiveness during real world applications.

http://seamlessprogression.com/ProgramTypes/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Arrest and Control Training
Low Level Resistance Restraint and Escort Methods
High Level Resistance Stabilization and Restraint Methods

[Kennah]

1. Police militarization fears are overblown

In years past, police were much more militarized, then they became less so. Since the mid 1990s, police have become more militarized.

Miami Massacre, North Hollywood bank robbery, Columbine, and yes 9/11 are some of the events which have contributed.

SWAT teams get into fairly few gunbattles, mostly because they train so extensively.

There has been "aftermarket" police training for decades. Gunsite was formed in 1976, Calibre Press has been around for about 30 years, and LFI started up in the 1980s.

[hootinholler]

2. I disagree

Sending swat teams out because someone smelled pot (Happened to a neighbor) is a bit over the top. This is in a small town in Maryland.

Why are police dressed in intimidating uniforms? To intimidate. Why are they hurting people with inappropriate force all over the US? I don't mean protestors. The press is rife with stories of police caused mayhem and deaths, which would be a reflection of their training, wouldn't it?

I seriously disagree with you that this is no problem.